Clinical Image

Preventable Breast Surgery Mishaps

Maha Abdel Hadi* and Hiyam Al Haddad
Department of Breast Surgery, King Fahd Hospital of the University, KSA


*Corresponding author: Maha Abdel Hadi, Department of Breast Surgery, King Fahd Hospital of the University, P.O.Box 40293 Al-Khobar 31952, KSA


Published: 06 Jul 2017
Cite this article as: Hadi MA, Al Haddad H. Preventable Breast Surgery Mishaps. Clin Surg. 2017; 2: 1544.

Clinical Image

Due to the infrequent occurrence of postoperative complications following breast surgery the gravity and the consequences of their occurrence are often underestimated (Figures 1-3). The exteriority of the breast organ coupled by its femininity image lead to immediate recognition of changes. Despite the fact that breast surgery is considered a potentially clean operation, yet breast infections may occur in the form of infected wounds and infected hematomas (Figures 4 and 5). Other postoperative complications vary from mild abrasions to blisters and ulceration caused by tight dressing application. The vascularity of the breast is seldom compromised due to its abundant blood supply however it may vary from partial nipple necrosis following diligent subcutaneous retro areolar dissection to whole breast necrosis following cardiac surgery procedures (Figures 6 and 7). Other iatrogenic related complications such as extravasation of chemotherapeutic agent may be occasionally seen. These preventable complications can be avoided with care, dedication, adequate knowledge, skills.

Figure 1

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Figure 1
Mild skin abrasion due to tight dressing.

Figure 2

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Figure 2
Tight sutures compromising the blood supply at the wound edges.

Figure3

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Figure 3
Post mastectomy hematoma with skin blistering and ulceration.

Figure 4

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Figure 4
Post mastectomy reconstruction failure with blistering and skin ulceration.

Figure 5

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Figure 5
Post lumpectomy partial nipple necrosis.

Figure 6

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Figure 6
Upper flap partial thickness necrosis due tension.

Figure 7

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Figure 7
Post mastectomy infected hematoma.

Figure 8

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Figure 8
Extravasation o chemotherapeutic agents.